I've decided to write a blog about my experience since discovering that I have breast cancer. I apologise for repeating myself but originally I was just going to put one post on the discussion forum. Since then problems have arisen so here goes!
i was diagnosed with secondary progressive MS almost 20 years ago. Since then despite restricted mobility my husband and I have continued to live a full and normal life with our family and friends. After a routine blood test in February I was diagnosed with CLL but that it was a condition which would not impact on my life and would simply be monitored.
At the end of May we returned from almost a month abroad feeling fit and healthy. The following week I saw my doctor as an indentation, which I thought was as a result of a wired bra, had been there for several weeks. I was immediately referred to the breast clinic in our local hospital. By the end of the week I was told that I had breast cancer. I'd had a mammogram and ultrasound to confirm this but wouldn't know which type of tumour it was until the results a biopsy were back. I'd had regular mammograms until 5 years ago when I was 70 and had never had a recall. I was absolutely shell shocked and felt that this was just too much to deal with. I was still hoping that it would be benign though deep down I knew that it wasn't! When I saw the consultant again a fortnight later I was told that it was a triple negative tumour and that the best treatment would be chemotherapy followed by a mastectomy. Due to the MS he wasn't sure whether I would be able to have the chemotherapy and that it would depend on the oncologist. I said that I was sure that I was strong enough.
I have always had a very positive attitude and been determined to continue to lead as active a life as possible. This just seemed like a step too far despite the positivity of both my husband and son who were with me at the consultation. I didn't want to socialise or speak on the phone even to my closest friends. Our two children and their families have been amazing and gradually I began to believe that I could beat this. We have 5 grandchildren the eldest being 8 and I will be there to watch them grow up. My friends have been so supportive once I let them in.
My oncologist recommended that I start with 9 sessions of weekly Taxol chemotherapy followed by 3 sessions of Epirubicin and cyclophospha at 3 week intervals. I am also taking antibiotics 3 days a week to boost my immunity. I have now had 2 treatments so 2 steps on the road to recovery. Apart from a panic last week which was actually most probably brought on by something I had eaten, I have felt alright. We called the helpline and got immediate advice. Very little energy and feeling tired and achy but that I can live with. I now have a doze after lunch and go to bed early which is helping. I also find eating small meals with occasional snacks is best, also I don't eat late. Whenever I've felt queasy I've taken a sickness tablet which has been very effective. My hair is still intact though this week I went to get my wig, something else that I was dreading and another box ticked. I know it's very early days and the worst is yet to come but I can do this and please if you've only just been diagnosed try not to despair. The consultants and nurses are wonderful, the helpline superb and advice.
The second session took longer. I waited ages for my blood results only to find that my liver readings were a bit out. Fortunately the oncologist said it was still alright to go ahead. The unit was really busy but everyone is so reassuring and thorough. One lady brought in a chocolate cake to celebrate the end of her Chemo. It was delicious! Six hours later I was back home feeling very tired but no other side effects. During the week I felt sick a few times but the tablets did their job. Apart from feeling very faint one evening I was alright. I'd had a late dinner and eaten far more than usual. Obviously not a good idea! I had my physio session and we went out for coffee or a sandwich at lunchtime on several occasions. The most important thing was that we were able to see our family as all the children were completely germ free.
I was ready for Week 3 and have even worked out when my chemo would finish and when my mastectomy would be. Big mistake! I've since learnt that it's just one small step at a time and take each day as it comes.
